Does optimism make you healthy, or does being healthy make you optimistic? We would say both! The way that optimism can promote good health and how that good health translates back into an optimistic mindset can be very powerful when we learn how to utilise it to our advantage. When done correctly, we can even use the momentum of an optimistic mindset to improve our lifestyle and longevity.
What is optimism?
If we are going to use optimism to our advantage, we first need to understand what it is. As mentioned above, optimism primarily refers to a mindset that is positive in nature. An optimistic mindset has everything to do with the way we perceive things and events around us in the present and future. Some might assume optimism is a fixed personality trait. However, optimism is actually a mindset that you can choose to opt into even in negative situations.
Optimism helps counteract negative thinking by encouraging a more hopeful and constructive outlook.
Positive thinking is a key component of an optimistic mindset.
As a lens for perception, optimism influences your adaptive behaviour and cognitive responses. An optimist is less likely to see a problem purely as a result of their own failings and instead see the impact of external factors. They are also more likely to see problems as a temporary state that can be changed, something that is limited to a specific event or entity, rather than every aspect of their lives.
A temporary health complication, for example, might stop you from practising your favourite team sport. In this situation, an optimistic mindset can highlight actions that you could take to recover and get back into the sport earlier. It could also motivate you to continue to support and engage with your team while you recover.
Optimism and its influence on your health and wellbeing
It can be easiest to see the linkage between optimism and your mental wellbeing as opposed to physical health. Since optimism is a mindset and way of thinking, it can have a strong influence on your mood, relationship satisfaction, and the way you react to situations. Optimism can promote adaptive behaviours and cognitive responses associated with greater flexibility, problem-solving capacity, and more positive cognition of negative events. In the long term, an optimistic mindset can reduce your vulnerability to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Optimism also enhances psychological resources such as hope, resilience, and self-efficacy. It fosters positive emotions through self-acceptance and reflection on daily accomplishments. Optimism also has a strong influence over your physical health, although the link might not be immediately obvious. Its influence over your physical health primarily happens through the promotion of healthy habits, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies.
When we are in a better frame of mind, we are more adaptive and make better, healthier choices more frequently. Because of this, the link between optimism and physical health is more evident in chronic conditions. A review of 15 studies involving over 200,000 participants found that optimists have a 35% lower risk of heart disease (which can have flow-on effects to blood sugar levels, metabolism and memory formation), and a 14% lower chance of an early death. Additionally, an optimistic mindset has been found to reduce chances of infection and cancer, as well as improve post-operative recovery.
In essence, an individual with an optimistic outlook does not take a fatalistic approach to their health. They believe that most problems have a solution, and they are prepared to find a way under, over, around, or through the issue to reach a positive outcome on the other side. This means they actively approach issues like weight gain, elevated cholesterol or injury with a ‘can do’ problem-solving attitude to achieve improved outcomes on these parameters.
The Power of Optimistic Leaders
Optimistic leaders play a key role in shaping workplace culture and fostering a positive environment. They inspire and motivate their teams, encourage open communication, and celebrate individual and team accomplishments. By demonstrating optimism, leaders can help their employees build a growth mindset, develop a more positive outlook, and overcome negative thought patterns.
As a result, employees are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. Optimistic leaders also recognise the importance of acknowledging and celebrating successes, which can help to boost employee morale and motivation. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, leaders can help their employees to thrive and contribute positively to the organisation.
What can I do to build my optimism?
It’s all well and good to say that optimism promotes resilience and longevity, but how can we utilise this to our advantage? Luckily, optimism can be learned, practised, and strengthened. Below are five ways that you can improve and bolster an optimistic mindset for healthier decision-making and stronger resilience.
1. The “Best Possible Self” exercise.
UC Berkley has a great guide for this exercise. The Best Possible Self (BPS) method is what’s known as a positive psychology intervention. It involves taking time to imagine the best-case-scenario for various aspects in your life such as your career, relationships, hobbies, and health. Studies have shown that the BPS method can increase optimism after just one session by helping you envision a positive future.
2. Practice Gratitude
What we focus on is what we see in our day-to-day lives. Practising gratitude can help individuals shift their focus towards potential opportunities, such as finding a better job or discovering a more fulfilling career. So, shifting your focus to what you are thankful for is a great way to emphasise the positives in your life and build the foundation for an optimistic mindset.
3. Reflect on your Track Record
Look back over your track record of accomplishments, performance and times when you have overcome challenges. This builds a sense of reality-based confidence in your ability to deal with new challenges and helps employees thrive by fostering a positive environment.
4. Use the F.A.C.E.D. method to deal with stress and negative emotions.
We have previously talked about the F.A.C.E.D. method when dealing with stress. This method can be particularly good at shifting our mindset towards stressful and negative situations. The “acceptance”, “control” and “enjoy” steps in particular are focused on shifting to a positive, optimistic mindset, which helps manage stress levels.
5. Surround yourself with optimistic people
Optimism is contagious. Surrounding yourself with positive people who focus on benefits and have a positive outlook on the future can influence your outlook and optimism too!
At Ford Health, we believe a positive, optimistic mindset is a key pillar of your wellbeing. For busy executives, maintaining a positive mindset is vital to leading resilient, high-performing teams. Our experienced health professionals work closely with you to develop and refine strategies that weave optimism into your daily routine and leadership.
If you think you or your business could benefit from taking a healthy approach to optimism and mindset, get in contact with us today!
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